Agenda and draft minutes

Led by Reverend William Warren, Cromer Parish Church.

Prayers were led by Reverend William Warren of Cromer Parish Church.

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

Apologies were received from Cllr J Punchard, Cllr M Taylor, Cllr J Toye, Cllr E Seward and Cllr P Bevan-Jones.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 22 February 2023 and the Extraordinary meeting held on 01 March 2023.

Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 22^nd February 2023 and Wednesday 1^st March were approved as a correct record subject to the following amendment:

Cllr G Hayman referred to comments made on page 13 of the minutes from the meeting held on Wednesday 22^nd February and noted that his comments referred to the Policy and not the officer, and asked that this be corrected.

Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the following items on the agenda.  The Code of Conduct for Members requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest (see attached guidance and flowchart)

None declared.

To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B (4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

None received.

To receive the Chairman’s communications, if any.

The Chairman introduced the item and informed Members of the events she had attended in her civic role since the previous meeting. Events included attending the Civic Reception of Broadland DC’s Chairman at Oxnead Hall, the opening of the refurbished Theatre Bar on Cromer Pier, and the Queen’s Award Ceremony for Voluntary Services held on the North Norfolk Railway.

To receive announcements from the Leader.

       i.          Cllr T Adams – Council Leader introduced the item and updated Members on the sewage incident that had taken place on Mundesley beach on 19^th March as a result of a leak from an AW pumping station. He reported that the leaking pipe had been repaired on the evening of the incident, but there had already been significant pollution of the beach and promenade area. It was noted that AW had removed contaminated beach material and had cleaned the promenade area, but the response would be reviewed by the Council to determine whether AW had responded adequately. Cllr T Adams stated that dialogue remained open with AW on a number of issues such as the Gimingham Combined Sewage Overflow, and water abstraction issues that would continue for the foreseeable future.

      ii.          Cllr T Adams provided an update on flying rings and noted that he had recently visited the RSPCA  facility at East Winch to develop content for a continued media awareness campaign regarding the danger to seals and other wildlife. He added that the RSPCA were currently caring for approximately forty seals which required significant resource, but the charity were doing an excellent job under challenging circumstances.

     iii.          Cllr T Adams reported that the Environmental Contracts Team continued to deal with the impact of Serco strike action and the issues this had caused for residents and businesses’ collections. He added that no further industrial action had been announced in the immediate future.

    iv.          Cllr T Adams noted that as it was the last Full Council meeting of the year, he would take the opportunity to celebrate some of the achievements of the authority over the past four years. These included the Bacton Sandscaping scheme, the Market Town Initiative, electric vehicle charging points, the NWHSHAZ scheme, the evolution of the Big Society Fund into the Sustainable Communities Fund and the successful leasing of new commercial premises. He added that several Council assets had also been replaced or upgraded such as continued improvements to Cromer Pier, completion of the Reef facility, supporting Sheringham Little Theatre, and the continued development of public conveniences across the District. It was noted that the Local Plan had also recently been submitted for review, whilst eighteen properties had been purchased for emergency accommodation, whilst the Council had also part-funded the Meadow Walk extra care scheme alongside NCC. Cllr T Adams stated that the NNDC Youth Council had recently been launched, which was a positive step forward following Covid-19,  which had led the authority to become more people focused.

      v.          Cllr T Adams referred to recent changes and noted that whilst the District had recently lost its blue flag beaches for reasons beyond the Council’s control, he was confident that any administration would ensure that these were returned in the years ahead. He added that on a more positive note, the introduction of the Environmental Charter had led efforts to significantly reduce the Council’s carbon footprint, alongside the pledge to plant 110k trees. It was noted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

To consider any questions or statements received from members of the public.

None received.

To receive reports from Cabinet Members on their portfolios.

Members are reminded that they may ask questions of the Cabinet Member on their reports and portfolio areas but should note that it is not a debate.

No member may ask more than one question plus a supplementary question, unless the time taken by members’ questions does not exceed 30 minutes in total, in which case, second questions will be taken in the order that they are received (Constitution, Chapter 2, part 2, section 12.2)

Cabinet members (listed alphabetically):

Cllr T Adams (Leader / Executive Support)

Cllr H Blathwayt (Coast)

Cllr A Brown –  Planning & Enforcement

Cllr W Fredericks – Housing & Benefits

Cllr V Gay – Leisure, Culture & Wellbeing

Cllr R Kershaw – Sustainable Growth

Cllr N Lloyd – Environment & Climate Change

Cllr E Seward - Finance, Assets & Legal

Cllr L Shires – Organisational Resources

The Chairman introduced the item and stated that Members had 30 minutes for questions, taking the reports as read.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr G Hayman referred to comments made regarding the sewage incident in Mundesley and asked whether the Council would be able to pursue any legal action against AW for the damage done to the tourism industry, wildlife and water users. He added that if legal action were possible, he would strongly encourage this approach, as there was very little incentive to deter similar events from reoccurring in the future. Cllr T Adams replied that he was aware that similar issues were occurring elsewhere throughout the Country, resulting in a general deterioration in the quality of bathing water, which needed to be better understood. He added that in respect of damage to the environment and the tourism industry, there would be a review regarding AW’s ability to respond, and the speed of the response. As a result, Cllr T Adams suggested that efforts must be taken to ensure that reoccurrences could not happen in the future. It was noted that whilst Gimingham Pumping Station was known to have leaked sewage into the sea, it was yet to be proven whether this was the cause for the loss of blue flag beaches. Cllr T Adams stated that following the election the issue would continue to be taken seriously, and if legal action was advised then it would not be ruled out, though it was not being considered at present.

      ii.          Cllr A Fitch-Tillett stated that she was pleased to join the recent Coastal Forum meeting, but asked why only five of fifteen coastal Members had attended the meeting. Cllr H Blathwayt replied that he was unsure why individuals had chosen not to attend, as the same invitation had been shared with all relevant Members, though there was reportedly a scheduling clash with an NCC meeting. He added that the meeting was recorded and available to view on YouTube for anyone that was unable to attend.

     iii.          Cllr P Heinrich asked whether there had been any indication from AW that the facility at Gimingham would be upgraded to resolve any existing pollution issues and prepare for the expected increase in effluent, in-line with the District’s expected housing growth. Cllr T Adams replied that the Council were not yet satisfied with AW’s response to the incident and had subsequently met with both the EA and NCC Highways, which had ruled out any likelihood of issues being caused by highways drainage. He added that AW had accepted that Gimingham did require modernisation and upgrade to cope with increased demand, but had provided no indication as to when this would be completed. Cllr T Adams noted that he had concerns that North Norfolk would be given low priority for upgrades, which was a mistake given the coastal location and potential for harm to the environment and tourism industry. It was noted that Members and officers would continue to meet with AW following the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 147.

The following recommendation was made to Full Council at the Cabinet meeting held on 6^th March 2023:

Agenda Item 9: Budget Monitoring 2022-2023 Period 10

RESOLVED to

Recommend to Full Council that any outturn deficit is funded by using the General Fund Reserve.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee supported the recommendation at the meeting held on 15 March

       i.          Cabinet 6^th March 2023 – Budget Monitoring 2022-2023 Period 10

      ii.          It was noted that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee supported the recommendation at the meeting held on 15^th March 2023.

     iii.          The recommendation was proposed by Cllr T Adams and seconded by Cllr A Brown

RESOLVED

That any outturn deficit is funded by using the General Fund Reserve.

To receive an oral update from the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee regarding any recommendations made at the meeting held on 15^th March 2023.

Cllr N Dixon stated that the Budget Monitoring recommendation considered under previous item was the only recommendation made to Full Council during the meeting held on 15^th March 2023.

To receive an update from the Chairman of the Constitution Working Party on the review of the Constitution (undertaken by the Centre for Governance & Scrutiny)

Cllr A Varley stated that there were no recommendations to consider but an update had been received on the progress made with the review of the Constitution and he wished to give thanks to CfGS for their efficient work. He added that the process had begun in December 2022 with a rigorous review of how the Council undertook its business, alongside interviews with key Members and officers.  It was noted that an initial findings document had been prepared with a very clear outline of what worked well and what required improvement to ensure the greatest strength of the overall governance framework. Cllr Varley informed Members that the findings document had been discussed in detail, and would be taken on board subject to minor amendment, with redrafting of the Constitution to begin shortly for review of the updated document to begin in June.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

The DSM introduced the report and informed Members that it was important for the Council to commit to ensuring that all residents and Members felt safe to stand as a candidate for election, and indicate that the Council would not tolerate harassment and abuse. She added that there were several recommendations which officers would be required to monitor and support, and it was hoped that Parish and Town Councils would also be encouraged to sign-up to the civility pledge as their equivalent campaign.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr V Gay noted that the toxicity of debate had increased nationally in recent years, but democracy relied on freedom of speech and respectful debate to ensure that people remained willing to stand for election and take part in politics. She added that it was therefore very important to support the report and its recommendations to ensure that these ideals could be upheld.

      ii.          Cllr A Varley stated that it was crucially important to support the campaign and ensure that debate remained respectful, so that ordinary citizens would continue to be involved in politics. He added that he was aware of many residents that would like to be more involved in local politics, but chose not to due to fears of being targeted. Cllr A Varley encouraged Members to support the campaign and asked for a recorded vote.

     iii.          Cllr C Cushing stated on behalf of the Conservative Group that they fully endorsed the recommendations, and felt that it was an excellent initiative. He added that he had been involved in politics for many years and whilst he was aware of toxicity in previous years, he agreed that it did appear to be increasing and therefore welcomed all efforts to address this.

    iv.          Cllr T FitzPatrick stated that whilst North Norfolk was fortunate that political debate was conducted in a respectful and robust manner, this was not the case everywhere throughout the Country, and any efforts to help ensure respectful debate was a positive step which he fully endorsed.

      v.          Cllr V FitzPatrick stated that he fully supported the campaign, though it was unfortunate that the recommendations were required as it was a poor reflection on the growing lack of tolerance seen in public debate. He added that all people should treat each other with respect despite opposing views, and he therefore fully supported the recommendations.

    vi.          Cllr C Stockton stated that he agreed with Cllr V FitzPatrick’s comments and stated that it was unfortunate that throughout the Country people did not appear to be able to debate issues without resorting to personal attacks. He added that it was therefore important to support the recommendations and set a positive example to residents that debate could be held in a civilised manner.

   vii.          The Chairman stated that she fully supported the recommendations to ensure that abuse and intimidation had no place in politics and debate.

  viii.          The recommendations were proposed by Cllr L Shires and Cllr H Blathwayt.

RESOLVED

1.     To note that increasing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 151.

None Received.

None received.

The following item of Opposition Business has been proposed by Cllr C Cushing, seconded by Cllr N Dixon:

‘In the Earmarked Reserves there is £848,686 allocated for an artificial grass pitch in North Walsham and Fakenham. The forecast budget indicates that there is no intention to spend these funds in the next financial year. 

No site has yet been confirmed for the North Walsham pitch and none will be forthcoming in the foreseeable future.

In Fakenham, though, there is a site readily available at Trap Lane near the Fitness Centre. This is owned by the Fakenham Town Council who support this development. This compliments their vision to create more sporting facilities in this area that will benefit several sports clubs in the town. Also, it is close to the area of the Fakenham Urban extension.

The proposal for an artificial pitch at Fakenham was included in the recent Levelling Up bid and was understood to be a priority for the council. Because of the bid some initial analysis has been done which can be used in the Football Association grant submission.

This Business Motion instructs the Director of Communities to immediately start work to formulate a bid to the Football Association for a full sized 3G artificial grass pitch in Fakenham to be submitted to the Football Association as soon as possible.

The estimated cost of a new 3G pitch is in the region of £1.150m. The Football Association has already indicated it will support the development of artificial pitches in Fakenham, Cromer, and North Walsham. It is expected that the Football Association will fund about 50% – 60% for the cost of laying a new pitch. Therefore, it is anticipated would need to fund 50% of the remaining cost. It is proposed to allocate 700,000 would allow for any inflation costs. 

It is pointless to have such a sizeable sum languishing in the Earmarked Reserves with no expectation it can be spent any time soon. This reallocation will enable Officers to progress a Fakenham bid now to see whether we can obtain a Football Association grant in 2024 or 2025’.

Cllr C Cushing introduced the item and stated that it requested the DFC to initiate work on developing a bid for a 3G pitch that could be submitted to the Football Foundation. He added that it came as a result of discussions from the budget meeting where a similar request had been made though no definitive answer had been given. It was noted that the proposal had been included as part of the levelling-up bid for the Town that had not succeeded, therefore a reasonable degree of planning had already taken place. Cllr C Cushing stated that the proposals would see a pitch built at a site on Trap Lane that was owned by the Town Council near the Fitness Centre, with the Town Council highly supportive of the proposal and likely willing to let the land at a low rent. It was noted that Fakenham Academy was also nearby and the pitch would provide additional sports resource for the school. Cllr C Cushing noted that he had spoken with local football teams, with several in need of additional practice space, but if approved the pitch could also be used for additional sports such as tennis. It was noted that as Football Foundation funding had been allocated for the year ahead, it was likely that funding may not be available until 2025, although 2024 allocations may become available. As a result, Cllr Cushing suggested that it would be prudent to prepare a bid as soon as possible.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr T Adams stated that he would support the motion and expected others would too, and noted that there was potential funding available within reserves for sports provision. He added that the Football Foundation had indicated three areas in the District where improvement was needed, which included Fakenham, Cromer and North Walsham. It was recognised that there was a clear need to increase provision in Fakenham as a growing town, though it should be noted that the timescale for any improvement would not be immediate.

      ii.          Cllr E Seward thanked Cllr Cushing for bringing forward the motion and stated that he was supportive of the proposal, and the S151 had recently confirmed that the existing provision of approximately £800k was now earmarked for both Fakenham and North Walsham as part of the capital programme. He added that a scheme would need to be developed and brought to Cabinet and Council for approval in order for the project to move forward. It was noted that issues with the North Walsham pitch, which would have been up to sixty percent funded by the Football Foundation, related to noise regulations, and it was hoped that a potential Fakenham pitch would not encounter the same issues. Cllr E Seward stated that in principle, a pitch remained agreed at the North Walsham Football Cub site, however this had not been progressed to the stage of implementation. He added that despite this, the Football Club remained strong with over twenty teams, which made it a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 153.

The following Notice of Motion has been proposed by Cllr G Hayman, seconded by Cllr G Perry-Warnes:

‘First Past the Post (FPTP) originated when land-owning aristocrats dominated parliament and voting was restricted to property-owning men.

In Europe, only the UK and authoritarian Belarus still use archaic single-round FPTP for general elections. Internationally, Proportional Representation (PR) is used to elect the parliaments of more than 80 countries. These countries tend to be more equal, freer and greener.

PR ensures all votes count, have equal value, and that seats won match votes cast. Under PR, MPs and Parliaments better reflect the age, gender and protected characteristics of both local communities and of the nation.

MPs better reflecting the communities they represent in turn leads to improved decision-making, wider participation and increased levels of ownership of decisions taken.

PR would also end minority rule. In 2019, 43.6% of the vote produced a government with   56.2% of the seats and 100% of the power. Fair, proportional votes also prevent ‘wrong winner’ elections such as occurred in 1951 and February 1974.

PR is the national policy of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK and Women’s Equality Party along with a host of Trade Unions and pro-democracy organisations.

PR is already used to elect the parliaments and assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Its use should now be extended to include Westminster.

This Council therefore resolves to write to H.M. Government calling for a change in our outdated electoral laws and to enable Proportional Representation to be used for UK General Elections’

Cllr G Hayman introduced the item and informed Members that the current voting system was antiquated and no longer adequate for the current political environment. He added that a change in the voting system may help to address disenfranchisement and cynicism amongst the general public if they felt their votes were more likely to have an impact. It was therefore suggested that a proportional system where every vote counted would be more democratic, as all votes would impact the outcome of an election and help to decrease the democratic deficit, whilst also encouraging a more cooperative system of government.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr A Brown stated that in December 2020 the Government passed the Parliamentary Constituencies Act, and it had been publicly suggested that this would  deliver confidence to voters. However this was misleading given that in the last general election it took 866k votes to elect a Green MP, 335k to elect a Liberal Democrat MP, 50k to elect a Labour MP, and 38k to elect a Conservative MP. It was noted that 11.5% of electors were therefore required to elect 1.7% of seats for the Liberal Democrats, which meant that smaller parties would find it very difficult to elect MPs. Cllr A Brown stated that only 6% of those surveyed believed that their vote counted, whilst 53% felt that decisions made by Government were influenced by party donors, businesses or lobby groups. He added that whilst he would have preferred the motion to be brought after the election, he remained supportive.

      ii.          Cllr T FitzPatrick noted that it was twelve years since a referendum had been held on the UK’s voting system, which had resulted in 67.9% against changes of the 19m that had voted. He added that votes could also be skewed with proportional representation, as appeared to be the case with the Scottish Assembly, or lead to minority parties holding the balance of power, which suggested that it was not a fail-safe system. Cllr T FitzPatrick stated that he therefore remained unconvinced, and asked whether it was appropriate for the Council to get involved, given that it was a parliamentary matter. He added that in most cases referendums should also be generational, and it may therefore be too soon to revisit.

     iii.          Cllr C Cushing referred to the referendum and noted that 42% of the population had voted, and the 58% that had not voted may not have been particularly concerned by the current voting system. He added that when discussing matters of concern with residents it was very rare that anyone raised concerns about the Country’s voting system. He added that whilst there were arguments in favour of proportional voting systems, the Conservative Party had also historically suffered as a result of the FPTP system, but it was accepted that overall this had led to strong and stable Governments regardless of which party was elected, and on that basis he could not support the motion.

    iv.          Cllr V Gay stated that she had voted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 154.

To pass the following resolution – if necessary:

“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) _ of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”